Spied Without Camo! 2012 Chrysler 300C - Spy Shots

Chrysler's big bruiser goes to finishing school.

Most Read

We're finally seeing the new 2012 Chrysler 300C sedan minus any faux body-cladding or camouflage, and first impressions are good. The full-size seems to have been around forever, though this is partly due to the retro-inspired exterior designed by Ralph Gilles. The 300C was meant to bring to mind images of classic, broad-shouldered American sedans. Much as we loved the looks of the original 300C, there is no doubt flagship rear-wheel-drive sedan is overdue for an update.

Caught during a promotional video shoot, the 2012 Chrysler 300C in these spy photos looks much less slab-sided. A sculpted hood flows cleanly into a front fascia that is far more elegant than before, thanks in large part to a smaller and more refined grille (the egg-crate pattern of the old one is gone). Sleek new headlamps incorporate projector-beam lamps and LED lighting strips that are quickly becoming a luxury car must-have.

The greenhouse looks mostly unchanged, which comes as no great surprise since Chrysler's model revamp must still be done on a shoestring budget. Yet the rear styling of the 300C holds some surprises—not to mention a passing resemblance to the luxury sedan. The 300C's boring rectangular rear lamps have been dumped in favor of glitzier items with all sorts of chrome accents. The overall effect is bold, but maybe a bit too Las Vegas-luxury for conservative car buyers.

Under the hood, expect a choice of Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Higher-performance SRT models should arrive within one year of next year's launch. Moving the 300C more upmarket also frees up room for the arrival of the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible, which are set to debut during the L.A. Auto Show.